ABUJA-The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on judges to remain at the forefront of the fight against financial crime, and ensure that the nation’s legal system does not inadvertently become a conduit for illicit financial flows.
The CJN spoke at a sensitisation programme on Anti-MoneyLaundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment for the Judiciary, in Abuja, yesterday.
She called on the judiciary, lawyers, law enforcement and anti-graft agencies to work together to ensure that Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring otherwise known as ‘Grey List.’
According to her, “The success of any AML/CFT regime hinges on synergy among key
stakeholders. The judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, law enforcement agencies, anti-graft institutions, and financial regulators must work in concert to ensure a holistic and coordinated response to financial crimes.”
She noted that Nigeria’s continued presence on the Grey List has imposed significant economic constraints, affecting investor confidence, financial transactions, and the broader economic outlook and that the anticipated delisting from this category was, therefore, not merely a symbolic achievement but a tangible milestone with far-reaching economic and reputational benefits.
“It will signal our commitment to financial transparency and integrity while restoring Nigeria’s standing in the global financial community.”
She expresses satisfaction that the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including key regulatory stakeholders, reflecting “our collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.”
Administrator of National Judicial Institute, NIJ, Justice Salisu Abdullahi said the sensitisation programme for judges was aimed at strengthening the Federal Government’s resolve to make sure Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring.
He said the workshop was in line with the NJI’s mandate of promoting efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of judicial services through the provision of continuing education for all categories of judicial officers.
Earlier, the deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever had pledged the United Kingdom’s readiness to support Nigeria to fight money laundering.
According to her, Nigeria loses over $16billion yearly to money laundering.
He called on the UN system to recognize the need for innovative financing mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of leveraging private sector capital to achieve long-term climate goals.
Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, Mr. Simon Steill earlier commended Nigeria’s leadership role in the global climate process and underscored the importance of the country’s contribution to the global response to the climate crisis. He promised the UN’s support for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in tackling climate change.
Steill said: “We are here to support you. The UNFCCC, along with the broader UN system, is committed to assisting Nigeria as it works to develop a credible climate plan that scales up finance and addresses both the climate crisis and economic growth.
“Your commitment to developing the next generation of climate plans, particularly the Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC, is crucial in shaping the global climate agenda.”
Steill highlighted the significance of the NDC, which would serve as not just a climate action document but also an investment and economic development plan.
